Marijuana taxes up for debate in Colorado Legislature

Apr. 25, 2013

Written by

Associated Press

DENVER — Marijuana taxes are up for debate Thursday in the Colorado House.

The House Finance Committee is scheduled to vote for excise taxes and a special marijuana sales tax that together could add 30 percent to the price of recreational marijuana. Voters would get the final say.

Colorado state economists released a report Wednesday projected $130 million in new taxes next year if voters approve the taxes. The report notes great uncertainty about how much pot will be sold and what the consumer price will be.

The committee will also decide whether to give drug felons a lifetime ban on working in the marijuana industry, and whether to require pot shops to grow the marijuana they sell. Expect intense debate on the final question.